The Guinness World Record holder for being the longest-serving flight attendant, Bette Nash, has died at the age of 88, according to a statement from American Airlines.
“We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air,” American Airlines said in a statement posted to X. “She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette.”
Nash began her career as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 4, 1957.
She then went on to work for American Airlines, where she celebrated 60 years of service in 2017.
“My favorite part of flying over the years has been greeting my passengers as they board and deplane. People really are fascinating, and it’s truly been a joy,” Nash said at the time.
The Association for Professional Flight Attendants also posted about Nash’s death, sharing that during her career she “touched many with her warmth, dedication, and service.”
“Her passion for flying and her commitment to her passengers were truly inspiring,” the association shared on Facebook. “Bette’s legacy will forever be remembered in the aviation community and by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
ABC News reported that Nash never officially retired from her role as a flight attendant and died on May 17 while in hospice care.
In early 2022, Nash was awarded the title of longest career as a flight attendant by Guinness World Records.
“Her career surpasses the last longest flight attendant with 63 years, 61 days as of Jan. 4, 2021,” Guinness said at the time.
During a sit down with CNN in 2016, Nash discussed the changes she saw in the aviation industry throughout her career, noting that planes were black tie and Sunday best places of luxury when she first started.
“You worked harder physically in those days,” she said at the time. “We served this big meal tray. And I was the only one on the plane, so I had to take care of everybody.”
While she saw the times change drastically, especially with the implementation of technology, Nash never once thought about quitting.
“But even when I think I might retire or something, then I come to work and think, ‘Oh, I couldn’t do that.’ It’s stimulating coming out here,” she said. “The airlines are evolving continuously, and you have to evolve with them.”